LEADING software publisher Computer Associates has become a member of the Business Software Alliance (BSA). It joins eight other BSA members in their worldwide campaign against growing software theft, estimated to cost the industry US$12 billion each year. Computer Associates is a founding member of the Alliance to Promote Software Innovation, an organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting effective legal protection for computer programs under copyright law. The firm's participation in BSA's worldwide anti-theft campaign in 36 countries will greatly strengthen the software industry's global efforts to reduce the high level of software theft. ''As one of the industry's leading software companies, Computer Associates suffers intolerable losses through piracy of its products, particularly in Asia where software theft is rampant,'' said Alix Parlour, the vice-president of BSA, Asia. ''Computer Associates' support of our public policy, education and enforcement initiatives is a significant and welcome step towards our goal of strengthening copyright protection for all software publishers around the globe.'' Allan Smith, Computer Associates' managing director for Hongkong and the mainland, said: ''Computer Associates is throwing its support behind the BSA because we are committed to the protection of intellectual property.''
